Vehicle umbrella holder

ABSTRACT

A vehicle umbrella holder has a hard plastic molded elongate member having a top opening and a foam or sponge wipe adjacent the opening, and a mechanism for mounting the hard plastic member to an interior surface of the vehicle. The foam or sponge wipe is preferably serrated to add flexibility and wiping action, and is preferably removable from the elongate member so that it may be squeezed out and/or replaced if desired. If desired, a top cap may be provided to close the top opening of the elongate member. In a second embodiment, the hard elongate plastic member includes a hinged elongate door which opens for removal of an umbrella. According to preferred aspects of the invention, the inside of the elongate member is tapered to center the umbrella as it is inserted into the holder, and the mechanism for mounting the holder to the interior surface of the vehicle comprises hook and loop fastener elements such as VELCRO.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates broadly to umbrella holders. More particularly, this invention relates to umbrella holders for vehicles.

[0003] 2. State of the Art

[0004] As can be seen with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,720 to Leaf et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,325 to Wang, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,388 to Neville, Sr., European patent application 89123604.4 to Costantino, and Japanese patent application numbers 2000279368 to Mitsuji et al., 54127152 to Masao, 11284654 to Toshio, 06245779 to Toshihiro, 08205183 to Minoru, and 63150804 to Itsuo, the prior art is replete with numerous umbrella holders for vehicles. While these holders have been proposed for various parts of the vehicle, including built-in holders inside the dashboard, on the car door, on a cabin pillar, on a side spoiler, etc., or fastenable holders for location between the front seats, on a seat, or on a rear deck, none of them have found acceptance commercially. It is believed that the lack of commercial acceptance with respect to built-in holders relates to the limitation of space in the cabin of the vehicles, and the extra costs associated with providing a passageway for water to drain to outside the vehicle. It is further believed that the lack of commercial acceptance with respect to the fastenable holders relates the generally inconvenient locations to which they are fastened, and the fact that as there is no drainage, odors may arise when a wet umbrellas is inadvertently left inside the holder in the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an umbrella holder for a vehicle which is small in size and fastenable to locations convenient for the user of the vehicle.

[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide an umbrella holder which is designed to limit odors associated with umbrellas being left inside the holder.

[0007] In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in detail below, the vehicle umbrella holder comprises a hard plastic molded elongate member having a top opening and a foam or sponge wipe adjacent the opening, and means for mounting the hard plastic member to an interior surface of the vehicle. The foam or sponge wipe is preferably serrated to add flexibility and wiping action, and is preferably removable from the elongate member so that it may be squeezed out and/or replaced if desired. If desired, a top cap may be provided to close the top opening of the elongate member. Also, if desired, the hard elongate plastic member may include a hinged elongate door which opens for removal of an umbrella. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the inside of the elongate member is tapered to center the umbrella as it is inserted into the holder. According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the means for mounting the holder to the interior surface of the vehicle comprises hook and loop fastener elements such as VELCRO.

[0008] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the umbrella holder of the invention with an umbrella contained therein.

[0010]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the umbrella holder of the invention with an optional cover or cap.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the umbrella holder of the invention with an umbrella contained therein.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the umbrella holder of the invention with the door in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Turning to FIGS. 1, a first embodiment of the umbrella holder 10 of the invention is seen. In the first embodiment of the invention, the vehicle umbrella holder 10 includes a hard plastic molded elongate member 12, a foam or sponge wipe 14, and a mounting means 16. The plastic elongate member 12 has an outer surface 22 which defines an opening 24 (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member), and an inner surface which defines an internal cavity 26. The outer surface 22 preferably includes at least one flat surface 23 on which the mounting means 16 is mounted as discussed below. The internal cavity 26 preferably defines a shelf 28 near the opening 24 on which the foam or sponge wipe 14 sits. The foam or sponge wipe 14 (hereinafter referred to as the “sponge”) preferably defines a serrated opening 31 which adds to the flexibility of the sponge and increase its wiping action when an umbrella 40 is inserted through the opening 24 and into the cavity 26. This wiping action removes a substantial amount of the water from a wet umbrella 40 when the umbrella is inserted into the holder, so that the umbrella, when stored in the holder, does not remain in contact with the water and is less likely to give off an odor. The sponge 14 is sized to fit snugly in the cavity 26, and is preferably removable from the elongate member 12 so that it may be squeezed out and/or replaced if desired.

[0014] If desired, and as suggested by FIG. 1, the internal cavity 26 of the elongate member 12 may be tapered. A taper will help center the umbrella 40 as the umbrella is inserted into the holder 10, thereby helping limit wear to the sponge 14, and also reducing the likelihood that the sponge will be pulled out of the cavity during removal of the umbrella. If desired, a double shoulder arrangement (i.e., an indentation) may be molded into the inner surface of the elongate member 12 for holding the sponge more securely.

[0015] If desired, and as seen in FIG. 2, a top cap 44 may be provided to close the top opening 24 of the elongate member 12 when the umbrella holder is not holding an umbrella. As shown in FIG. 2, where a top cap is provided, the opening 24 into the cavity may be rectangular instead of round so that the top cap 44, which will extend through the sponge 14, will mate with the elongate member 12. Alternatively, the top cap may be made round and provided with threads (not shown) which screw into threads (not shown) of the elongate member.

[0016] As previously mentioned, and with reference to both FIGS. 1 and 2, mounting means 16 are provided for mounting the umbrella holder 10 to a surface of the vehicle (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the mounting means 16 includes hook and loop fastener elements such as VELCRO. A first VELCRO member is glued or otherwise fixedly attached to the flat surface 23 of the elongate member 12. A second VELCRO member of approximately the same size as the first VELCRO member and having a glue surface (preferably covered by removable paper) is preferably provided so that the owner of the vehicle can strip the paper off of the glue surface and attach the second VELCRO member to a desired surface of the vehicle. The surface can be a surface which is most desirable to the vehicle owner such as the dash board, a door, a car seat, etc.

[0017] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second embodiment of the invention is seen, which is in many respects similar to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment of the invention, the vehicle umbrella holder 110 includes a hard plastic molded elongate member 112, an optional foam or sponge wipe (not shown), and a mounting means 116. The plastic elongate member 112 has an outer surface 122 which defines an opening 124, a door 151, and an inner surface which defines an internal cavity 126. The outer surface 122 preferably includes at least one flat surface 123 on which the mounting means 116 is mounted as discussed below. The internal cavity 126 preferably defines a shelf 128 near the opening 124 on which the optional foam or sponge wipe 14 can sit.

[0018] As seen in FIG. 4, the door 151 runs most of the length of the elongate member 112, and is preferably hinged (via a live hinge or a separate hinge—not shown) opposite the mounting means 116. The door 151 may be provided with a handle 152 for opening the door, and a latch-and-catch system (not shown) or other means for permitting the door to be held in a shut position may also be provided. In addition, the door 123 preferably includes a removable sponge or foam 158 along its length.

[0019] If desired, and as in the first embodiment, a top cap (not shown) may be provided to close the top opening 124 of the elongate member 112. The top cap may have threads (not shown) which screw into threads (not shown) of the elongate member or may be snap fit or friction fit to the top opening 124.

[0020] As previously mentioned, mounting means 116 are provided for mounting the umbrella holder 110 to a surface of the vehicle (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the mounting means 116 includes hook and loop fastener elements such as VELCRO. A first VELCRO member is glued or otherwise fixedly attached to the flat surface 123 of the elongate member 112. A second VELCRO member of approximately the same size as the first VELCRO member and having a glue surface (preferably covered by removable paper) is preferably provided so that the owner of the vehicle can strip the paper off of the glue surface and attach the second VELCRO member to a desired surface of the vehicle. The surface can be a surface which is most desirable to the vehicle owner such as the dash board, a door, a car seat, etc.

[0021] The umbrella holder of the invention may be manufactured to be various sizes. Preferred lengths range between eight and twenty-four inches, with a more preferred length range of between twelve and sixteen inches. Preferred maximum outer “diameters” (it being appreciated that at least one external surface of the holder is preferably flat, and that multiple flat surfaces may be provided) are between four and seven inches, with an outer maximum diameter of approximately five and a half inches being most preferred. It should be appreciated that outer diameter preferably tapers down to preferably about four inches. The inner diameter of the umbrella holder preferably tapers as it extends away from the opening. The sponge wipe is preferably between one half and two inches thick, with a one inch thick sponge being more preferred. The top of the sponge is preferably located within one inch of the opening into the cavity.

[0022] There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of an umbrella holder suitable for use in a vehicle. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while particular sizes have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other sizes can be used as well. In addition, while a particular sponge arrangement has been disclosed, it will be understood that the sponge can include a portion which constitutes the wipe adjacent the opening and another portion which extends into the cavity. Also, while the preferred means for attachment of the umbrella holder to the vehicle surface was described as first and second VELCRO fasteners of the same size, it will be appreciated that one or more first fasteners can be used on the umbrella holder, and one or more second fasteners can be applied to the desired interior surface of the vehicle, provided the fasteners are aligned to hold the holder to the desired surface of the vehicle. Further, while the umbrella holder has been described with reference to a “top” opening, it will be appreciated that words such as “top” are relative terms which are not intended to be limiting as to how the holder is positioned in the vehicle. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An umbrella holder, comprising: a) an elongate member having a longitudinal axis and an opening perpendicular said longitudinal axis, said elongate member defining a cavity; and b) a foam or sponge located in said cavity adjacent said opening, said foam or sponge defining a wipe opening substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.
 2. An umbrella holder according to claim 1 intended for use in a vehicle having an interior with a surface, further comprising: c) means for mounting said elongate member to the surface of the vehicle.
 3. An umbrella holder according to claim 2, wherein: said foam or sponge defines a serrated wipe opening.
 4. An umbrella holder according to claim 3, wherein: said foam or sponge is removably fixed in said cavity.
 5. An umbrella holder according to claim 2, further comprising: d) a removable cap means for closing said opening.
 6. An umbrella holder according to claim 2, wherein: said elongate member is made from hard plastic.
 7. An umbrella holder according to claim 2, wherein: said cavity is tapered.
 8. An umbrella holder according to claim 2, wherein: said means for mounting includes at least one of a hook element and a loop fastener element coupled to an external surface of said elongate member.
 9. An umbrella holder according to claim 8, wherein: said means for mounting includes both said hook element and said loop fastener element.
 10. An umbrella holder according to claim 2, wherein: said elongate member is between eight and twenty-four inches long.
 11. An umbrella holder, comprising: a) an elongate member having a longitudinal axis and an opening perpendicular said longitudinal axis, said elongate member defining a cavity having a length, and said elongate member having an elongate door hingedly attached and running most of said length of said cavity; b) at least one foam or sponge located (i) on said door; and/or (ii) in said cavity adjacent said opening and defining a wipe opening substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.
 12. An umbrella holder according to claim 11, wherein: said at least one foam or sponge is located both on said door and in said cavity adjacent said opening.
 13. An umbrella holder according to claim 11, intended for use in a vehicle having an interior with a surface, further comprising: c) means for mounting said elongate member to the surface of the vehicle.
 14. An umbrella holder according to claim 11, wherein: said foam or sponge defines a serrated wipe opening.
 15. An umbrella holder according to claim 14, further comprising: d) a removable cap means for closing said opening.
 16. An umbrella holder according to claim 11, wherein: said elongate member is made from hard plastic.
 17. An umbrella holder according to claim 11, wherein: said cavity is tapered.
 18. An umbrella holder according to claim 13, wherein: said means for mounting includes at least one of a hook element and a loop fastener element coupled to an external surface of said elongate member.
 19. An umbrella holder according to claim 18, wherein: said means for mounting includes both said hook element and said loop fastener element.
 20. An umbrella holder according to claim 11, wherein: said elongate member is between eight and twenty-four inches long. 